Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Program

Connect with Caring Mentors

Welcome to a learning community that’s keenly attuned to your needs and goals. If you're looking for housing during your residencies, low- or no-cost options may be available. And you’ll never have to worry about finding your own clinical placement; our faculty view that as an essential part of their job – and one of the many ways they live out our Be Known promise. 

From giving you personalized career advice to providing opportunities to pursue your specific interests, our professors will support you, encourage you and bring out the best version of yourself. The way they nurture you will serve as a model for the care you provide as a CRNA throughout your professional journey.

Gain Specialized Knowledge

Learn on the leading edge in online courses, simulations and immersive learning experiences. You’ll explore the ethical, cultural and philosophical dimensions of advanced practice nursing, delve into pharmacology and high-level research, and master the principles of pain management and patient safety.

You’ll also gain expertise operating anesthesia equipment, monitoring airways and managing simulated crises in a 10,000-square-foot facility that includes the latest technology, along with debriefing rooms, conference rooms and faculty offices. The discussions you have with your professors and peers will open your mind to new ideas and illuminate your life’s work.

Become a Highly Skilled Clinician

As a CRNA student, you’ll make a tangible impact on the lives of patients in five clinical rotations – and you won’t have to leave the state to complete your hours, which isn’t the case in other programs. We’ve developed extensive connections throughout Oregon, including a partnership with Providence that encompasses eight hospitals and dozens of medical facilities.

Working under the supervision of experienced clinicians, you’ll analyze medical histories, educate patients and families, and monitor patients during and after anesthesia. You’ll also be a key member of interprofessional care teams in settings as diverse as the patients you serve. Your experiences will expand your professional network, broaden your perspective and prepare you to be a leader in your field.

Add to Our Legacy of Service

Our alumni are transforming the field of healthcare as nurses, physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists, and mental health professionals. The upcoming launch of the CRNA program underscores our ongoing commitment to address a critical shortage of clinicians in the region, particularly in underserved areas where people lack access to essential medical care.

The mission of the College of Nursing is to cultivate exceptional clinicians, leaders, scholars and innovators. We prepare graduates to integrate mind, body and spirit to positively impact the world, embodying the service, integrity and compassion exemplified by Christ. 

Join us and prepare for a CRNA career that allows you to reach your full potential as a resilient – and compassionate – servant leader.

Fill a Critical Need

The Pacific Northwest is in dire need of CRNAs due to rising demand, insufficient numbers of MD anesthesiologists, low numbers graduating from existing programs and impending retirements. According to the Oregon Association of Nurse Anesthetists, more than 80% of rural Oregon’s anesthesia care is provided by CRNAs. Increasing the number of CRNAs is critical to helping vulnerable populations and tackling the high cost of surgical care.

Anesthesia care managed by CRNAs is more affordable than physician anesthesiologist care and produces comparable patient outcomes. As a CRNA, you’ll be fully qualified to manage anesthesia care for most surgical and obstetrical cases – and with our Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, you’ll meet the educational standard of a profession that will require a doctorate by 2025.

Thrive in a Growing Field

Given the increasing need for CRNAs, it’s no wonder that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a significant number of job openings nationally between now and 2029. On a local level, the Oregon Employment Department reports that there were 293 CRNAs practicing in the state in 2021, with a projected demand of 359 by 2031 – a 22% increase.

According to 2023 BLS data, the median salary for CRNAs is $224,520 in Oregon and $212,650 nationally. Wherever you choose to practice, you’ll do good – and do well.